Good Morning Everyone,
Our theme for this month: “Success”
Our Bible verse for today: “See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, and I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with skill, ability, knowledge in all kinds of crafts – to make artistic designs for work in gold, silver and bronze, to cut and set stones, to work in wood, and to engage in all kinds of craftsmanship.” Exodus 31:2-5 (NIV)
Our thought for today: “Every skill and ability can be used for the glory of God.”
The story is told about the great sculptor and painter Michelangelo. He was commissioned by Pope Julius II to paint a small scene on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel at the Vatican. However once Michelangelo got started on the work, he became so engrossed in it that he couldn’t stop painting. He ended up painting for four straight years, over 400 Biblical figures, and he created one of the greatest pieces of Christian art there has ever been.
Michelangelo had artistic skills which he utilized to the best of his ability for the glory of God. His story reminds me of another. A church I used to Pastor in California was located on the corner of the busiest intersection in town. Every Christmas we held a Live Nativity Scene that included a full size manager, costumed actors, and even live animals.
Over the years of putting up and taking down the big manager, it had become loose in the joints and was a bit unstable. A man in the church with superb carpentry skills decided he was going to build a new one. I helped. (Actually I stood there and passed him the nails).
I was amazed at the precision and attention to detail he applied to the job. The man explained that although there were many things he could not do, carpentry was a skill he did have and he was therefore determined to use that skill for the glory of the Lord (and he was satisfied with nothing less than his own best effort.)
Whatever your skill is, whatever it is that you do well, I encourage you to identify that thing and then utilize it for the glory of God. You are needed. Your skills are needed. Whoever you are and whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. That is what it means to be truly successful.
God Bless,
Pastor Jim
Oak Hill Baptist Church 